Golf bag

ABSTRACT

A semi rigid golf bag having a hollow cylindrical main section, a plurality of storage compartments for golf equipment. The main section is formed from two semicircular half sections having semi-rigid walls attached by hinges to allow a user to open the main section to access said storage compartments. An outside circle and an inside circle defined concentrically on said top end of cylindrical main section. The circles define a golf club storage area and a second storage area for golf ball and glove storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are numbers of items to carry for the game of golf, including a plurality of clubs, tees, balls, gloves, towel, extra jacket and shoes. For the golfers who prefer to walk, having to carry such many extra types of equipments for the duration of a game can be uncomfortable. Attached different sized compartments and pockets outside the golf bag to conform with different needs had been introduced to the modern golf bag design. However, externally attached pocket compartments are not convenient enough for all the items golfers need during their game. The externally attached pocket compartments are not entirely waterproof either.

Additionally, when a golfer carries a golf bag on and off the field, the movement provided always transmits to the contents of the bag, particularly the valuable golf clubs. The movement further causes the clubs to be collided against each other every single step the golfer carries the bag.

It is needed in the game of golf a more convenient golf bag to provide more storage rooms, a safer and easier organized set of compartments for clubs, and a better water preventing designed golf bag.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,059 issued to Erwin Cheldin is a golf bag pull cart having integral extendable rollers and handle. The pull cart provides sturdy support for transporting a golf bag. However, as with most golf carts, its frame is heavy, and moreover, has unnecessary parts that add to the weight and awkwardness of the cart. There is a long pull handle and anchors on opposite sides of the cart. These two features reside along the golf bag when it is vertically placed. When the golf bag is tilted at an angle, the pull handle and the anchors would freely dangle, making it awkward to maneuver.

A golf bag of U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,183 issued to Nariie Kaneko. The design of this golf bag by Kaneko is efficient and uses a bare bone construction to get the golf bag wheeling. It is essentially a golf bag with wheels. The wheels on Kaneko's design are not detachable and delimit how the golf bag is carried. Carrying Kanebo's golf bag is likely to transfer dirt onto the carrier's clothes, then eventually to the car trunk.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

This invention is designed to assuage the burden of transporting golfing equipment for golfers with safe and convenience storage compartments. Overall, there are many advantages of this present invention as, but not limited to, follows. (1) More storage rooms. (2) Separate club compartments. (3) Golf club ridges to retain the clubs. (4) Internal compartment design provides better waterproofing. (5) Easier fit into the car trunk.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DEARINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of Golf Bag

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of Golf Bag showing a mirror image view

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of partly open golf bag.

FIG. 4 is a second embodiment of the bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides a golf bag having basically cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape has a soft fabric outside liner. This present invention particularly pursues U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,477. The present invention is a version that is formed without attached wheels and with additional improvements.

The present invention is a design that stresses minimization and portability. It is important for a golf bag to be lightweight because its content is heavy. Any unnecessary features add to the weight of the overall unit. Portability is also important because golf bags are awkward to carry. Similarly, any unnecessary features add to the awkwardness of existing golf bags.

This golf bag is designed to be an all-in-one unit. The shape of the golf bag is cylindrical and strategically compartmentalized for organization. It opens along its length into two semicircular sections. The hinges are located along the outer surface of the cylinder to allow the two half-sections to swing open and close.

Pluralities of storage compartments are formed internally in the present invention including, but not limited to, separate club storage compartments (club holders), golf ball compartments, tee and glove pockets, shoe and jacket packets. The holders have slots or grooves formed retaining clubfaces and club heads. Liners can extend the holders. The liners also have slots or grooves formed allowing a club head to rest within the groove without loose rotation.

FIG. 3 shows the hollow liners that act as extension sleeves allowing increased or longer club shaft. The liners of circular 320 or rectangular 310 or pie shaped cross section also have appropriate notches allowing a user to place a wood or club in the liner. The liners are removable and preferably made of fabric or plastic. Grooves are located on ridges are formed on the top of the inner divider of club holders, allowing and matching the golf club heads when the clubs are placed in the compartment respectively. The ridges are preferably made with a groove shaped within. The width of the groove on the ridges is designed to allow a golf club to fit in comfortably.

Clubfaces include club holders are formed along outer circumferential portion of the cylindrical bag allowing single club to be placed in each compartment. The material of the compartment dividers is preferably fabric or plastic. A club that may be placed within a holder within a compartment along the outer circumferential portion or a club may be placed within a liner that is placed within the compartment along the outer circumferential portion. Each golf bag includes a plurality of liners.

The material of the golf bag is preferably, but not limited to, polyethylene, glossed over with resin so that it is waterproof. The material is semi-rigid so that the golf bag retains its shape. A semi-rigid material is also preferred because flight carriers have began to withdraw insurance coverage on golf clubs damaged while being transported unless protected by a hard shell protective case. This golf bag also doubles as a travel golf bag. A padded, stretchable cover can zip across the top of the golf bag. This cover keeps golf clubs and the inside of the golf bag from getting wet during unexpected rain. It also keeps the golf clubs from sliding out during transport. When the cover is not in use, it zips freely to be stored in the glove storage.

The present invention can also be used on wheels. The wheels are detachable and are stored compartments in the golf bag. There are no external loose components to avoid loss or forgotten parts during transport. When the wheels are detached from the golf bag, Jung's design is as portable as a regular golf bag. By making the wheels detachable, dirt drawn to wheels stay within the designated wheel compartment of the golf bag.

The following is a discussion of the preferred embodiment as shown in the figures.

FIG. 1—Perspective View of Golf Bag

11 Club Holders—The club holders lie along the outer circumferential part of the cylindrical golf bag. The golf bag main section is partitioned into full length shaft dividers to store golf clubs individually. The golf clubs are accessible from the top of the bag without opening the golf bag main section. The cross sectional view of the golf bag shows two concentric circles. The club holders occupy the outer of the two concentric circles.

12 Ball & Glove Storage—The ball and glove storage is used to store golf balls and gloves. It is one of the four storage compartments that occupy the inner concentric circle. Since the golf bag opens into two semi-cylinders, the compartments inside follow the same trend. The bali and glove storage is sectioned into two semi-cylinders, but form a cylinder when the golf bag is closed. Each semi-circle is covered with its respective lid. The doors open upward and are kept in place with a spring catch knob or similar latching device. It has a height that accommodates the diameter of a golf ball. It is located at the top most part of the inner circle, hence it is accessible when the golf bag is closed. The ball and glove storage is above the clothing storage and is circumscribed by the club holders.

13 Pull/Shoulder Strap—The pull strap has an adjustable length and is edge trimmed for a smooth grip. It is secured to the surface of the cylindrical portion at the top end of the golf bag. It is used to pull and direct the golf bag (when on wheels). The free end of the strap attaches to the lower end of the golf bag main section to serve as a shoulder strap. It is obvious to put a shoulder strap on the bag is well. The golf bag can then be held across the shoulder like luggage. The golf bag is designed to have mirror image compartments so that the weight of the golf bag is equally distributed among the two half-sections. To avoid wobbling of the whole unit, the pull/shoulder strap is located along the diameter that divides the two half-sections. It faces away from the line of opening.

14 Latches—Each latch is composed of two components; each component is mounted to its corresponding half section. The latches are used to fasten the golf bag. There are at best two latches mounted along the opening length of the golf bag. One latch is located at one-fourth of the length and the other at three-fourth. Each latch provides an option for a locking device.

18 Handles—The main section handle is semi-rigid, but it is padded for a comfortable grip. It is used to hand carrying the golf bag laterally. The handle is mounted on both sides of the opening edges, and is centered along the length of the golf bag.

FIG. 2—Sectional View of Golf Bag (Mirror Image)

21 Club Holders—a compartment formed in one of the sections is usually reserved for insertion of a club and allows discreet storage of small articles. The section optionally includes a hinged lid enclosing the small articles retained within. A removable tray having a somewhat rectangular sectional shape can receive a plurality of small articles and be enclosed by a hinged lid. The removable tray can be moved among the sections modularly attaching and nesting within a user-selected section. A user can manually remove the removal tray and hold the tray in hand. The tray can be stowed within other areas of the bag such as within the area for storage of ball and gloves, or within the area for storage of clothing. The hinged lid can be biased by spring or other means for retaining the lid in closed position.

22 Ball & Glove Storage—(refer to 12)

23 Spring Catch Knobs for Storage Lids—The spring catch knob is a fastener that uses a spring to control its locking movement. It consists of two components (the knob and the catch) that collaborate to restrain the opening and closing movements of the storage lid. The knob is mounted onto the lid and the catch is mounted onto the inner wall of the inner concentric cylinder in a conjugate manner with the knob. The knob turns to compress the spring and returns to restore the spring to its natural length. The spring controls the movement of the latch that fits into the catch. When the spring is compressed, the latch fits away from the catch, and the lid is free to move. Conversely, the latch fits into the catch when the spring is uncompressed, hence restrains the storage lid from opening. The spring catch is used to keep the lids from opening (to prevent the golf balls from rolling out) during transit, as the golf bag is not always upright.

24 Clothing Storage—The clothing storage is used to store golf attires. It is the second (from top down) of the four storage areas occupying the inner cylinder. The clothing storage is sectioned into two semi-cylinders. Each semi-cylindrical storage space is sealed off with a mesh/nylon cover. A zipper, centered along the mesh/nylon cover is directed longitudinally to dictate the access to the storage space. The clothing storage space is sealed off to keep clothes from falling out when the golf bag opens. This storage space is only accessible when the golf bag is opened. It sits below the ball and glove storage and above the shoe storage, circumscribed by the club holders.

25 Shoe Storage—The shoe storage is the third (from top down) of the four storage areas occupying the inner cylinder. It is the same as the clothing storage other than its purpose, which is to store shoes. It is enclosed with a mesh cover to allow the shoes to breathe. There is a zipper centered in the mesh cover that functions longitudinally. The shoe storage is only accessible when the golf bag is opened. It sits below the clothing storage and above the wheel storage, circumscribed by the club holders.

26 Zipper—The zipper(s) is used in various storage areas—clothing, shoes, and wheel. Using a zipper closing compartment allows retention of stored articles.

29 Latches—(refer to 14)

210 Handles—(refer to 18)

FIG. 3—Perspective View of Partly Open Golf Bag

The partly open bag shows the spatial relationship between the two halves of the basically cylindrical main section.

The first embodiment shows a flat upper surface, and the second embodiment shows a curved upper surface. The curved upper surface second embodiment has curved upper compartments.

According to FIG. 4, the unfolded bag shows an elongated middle portion 410 that is elongated proportional to length of longer clubs. The variable length bag has instead of a flat upper surface, a curved upper surface. The elongated portion is preferably in the middle defined between the hinges. The shaft of shorter clubs rest in the notches formed in the storage areas. Generally, the size of the notches 418 conforms to the size of a clubface allowing a clubface to rest within a notch. The clubfaces have orientation that accounts for the notched shape. Notches preferably turn the clubfaces inward. Alternatively, notches can be formed on the outside of the bag. 

1. A golf bag comprising: a) a substantially hollow cylindrical main section having a bottom end, a top end, and a plurality of storage compartments for golf equipment formed within the substantially hollow cylindrical main section, wherein said main section is formed from two semicircular half sections having semi-rigid walls attached by hinges to allow a user to open the main section to access said storage compartments; b) an outside circle and an inside circle defined concentrically on said top end of cylindrical main section, wherein said concentric circles define two storage areas, wherein a first storage area for golf clubs defined between the outside circle and the inside circle, said first storage area sectioned to store golf clubs individually, wherein a second storage area is defined inside the inside circle for ball and glove storage, said ball and glove storage area having a lid and formed deep enough to receive a plurality of golf balls.
 2. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein the hollow main section forms three storage compartments, a first storage compartment, a second storage compartment and a third storage compartment, said storage compartments enclosed by cloth when said hollow main section is open, said storage compartments accessible by opening a zipper stitched in the cloth.
 3. The golf bag of claim 1, further comprising latches to keep the main section closed, and further comprising a handle located on the main section.
 4. The golf bag of claim 1, further comprising notches on said first storage area, said notches shape to receive golf club heads.
 5. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein an elongated middle portion is elongated proportional to length of clubs allowing each club head to rest within its notch.
 6. A golf bag comprising: a) a substantially hollow cylindrical main section having a bottom end, a top end, and a plurality of storage compartments for golf equipment formed within the substantially hollow cylindrical main section, wherein said main section is formed from two semicircular half sections having semi-rigid walls to allow a user to open the main section to access said storage compartments; b) an outside circle and an inside circle defined concentrically on said top end of cylindrical main section, wherein said concentric circles define two storage areas, wherein a first storage area for golf clubs defined between the outside circle and the inside circle, said first storage area sectioned to store golf clubs individually, wherein a second storage area is defined inside the inside circle for ball and glove storage, said ball and glove storage area having a lid and formed deep enough to receive a plurality of golf balls; c) an elongated middle portion is elongated proportional to length of longer clubs; d) notches on said first storage area, said notches shaped to receive golf club heads.
 7. A golf bag comprising: a) a substantially hollow cylindrical main section having a bottom end, a top end, and a plurality of storage compartments for golf equipment formed within the substantially hollow cylindrical main section, wherein said main section is formed from two semicircular half sections having semi-rigid walls attached by hinges to allow a user to open the main section to access said storage compartments; c) an outside circle and an inside circle defined concentrically on said top end of cylindrical main section, wherein said concentric circles define two storage areas, wherein a first storage area for golf clubs defined between the outside circle and the inside circle, said first storage area sectioned to store golf clubs individually, wherein a second storage area is defined inside the inside circle for ball and glove storage, said ball and glove storage area having a lid and formed deep enough to receive a plurality of golf balls.
 8. The golf bag of claim 7, wherein the hollow main section forms three storage compartments, a first storage compartment, a second storage compartment and a third storage compartment, said storage compartments enclosed by cloth when said hollow main section is open.
 9. The golf bag of claim 7, further comprising latches to keep the main section closed, and further comprising a handle located on the main section.
 10. The golf bag of claim 7, wherein an elongated middle portion is elongated proportional to length of longer clubs.
 11. The golf bag of claim 7, further comprising notches on said first storage area, said notches shape to receive golf club heads. 